In 1858 in Bologna, soldiers acting on the Pope’s orders take young Edgardo away from his Jewish family. The reason is the child’s secret baptism by a servant during infancy. The boy is taken to Rome to be raised in the Catholic faith under the supervision of the Church. The Mortara family begins a long and desperate struggle to bring their son home. This conflict grows into a major political scandal and sparks protests across Europe. The drama is based on real historical events and portrays the clash between personal tragedy and authority.